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Health & Safety Manual

Table of Content

  1. Introduction
  2. Health and Safety Responsibilities
  3. Accident Reporting
  4. Emergency Procedures
  5. Hazard control
  6. Animal Welfare Policy
  7. Health and Safety Policy
  8. Safe Driving Policy
  9. Visitors Policy

1.Introduction

It is said that if you have good health then you can also earn better. What are the things you need to lead a good quality of life? Does that include owning a nice house and car, spending quality time with family and friends, helping your kids to learn and grow and so on? If yes, then we can easily say that when we are fit and healthy, we can easily earn money to buy the things that we want.

But if we are not fit and healthy, we can’t earn our full wage. In that case, it is not possible for us to enjoy the luxuries of our life or we will not be able to pay those extra money that our family needs.

Here we will discuss how to keep yourself safe and healthy so that you can enjoy your life by earning a better income. It is a shared responsibility of both the employer and the employee to identify the situations where people might be harmed and take all precautions to prevent injuries, accidents and bad effects on our health.

This manual contains information you need to know so that together we can keep you and your co-workers healthy and safe.

2.Health and Safety Responsibilities

Risk or Hazard management is an important key to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Risk to health and safety comes from people being exposed to hazards. Hazard can be defined as any behaviour that causes death, injury or illness.

As identifying hazards is an ongoing process, every company should have organised and regular methods of identifying, assessing and managing new and existing hazards. We should first identify the level of harm caused by the hazard. If the harm is serious I.e if death occurs from the hazard, it is known as Significant Hazard.

There are two ways to control these significant hazards.

  1. We should try to eliminate the hazard as soon as possible
  2. If elimination of the particular hazard is not possible, then we should try to minimise the risk of harm caused by that hazard.

Responsibilities of the Employee:

  1. To identify the opportunity and improve the way of working and conditions of working
  2. Employees should always follow the company’s policies, procedures and safe work practices.
  3. If any situation of potential harm occurs, employees should promptly and accurately report that to their Overseer.
  4. Every employee should ensure that actions or any failure attempt will not cause any harm to themselves, other employees, members, clients and the environment.
  5. Everyone should participate in the employees meeting that are aimed to improve the health, safety and quality standard.
  6. Shed visitors should be met and informed about the obligations of company’s Health and Safety Policy and specifically about hazards on that particular workplace. Children without adult supervision are not allowed in the farmer’s property.

Responsibilities of the Overseer:

  1. Overseers should ensure the job supervision for each new employee.
  2. They should identify the training needs of employees and report that to the management.
  3. Overseers should be aware that all employees are well trained and know the use of all equipment and machineries.
  4. Overseers ensure that employees who don’t have much experience and knowledge to perform a task, should be supervised by one with enough knowledge
  5. Responsible for accurate reporting about daily incidents to the management.
  6. They should monitor the performance of the employees and inform inadequate performance to the management. Helps the management to review Health and Safety documentation, identify proper goals, objectives and so on.
  7. The Overseer should participate in the Health and Safety Committee meetings. They are responsible for leading the employees team meeting and encouraging the employees for participating in health and safety activities.
  8. Responsible for regular checking and monitoring of working conditions and practices that include hazardous exposures, identifying, assessing and controlling hazards.
  9. Shed visitors should be met and informed about the obligations of company’s Health and Safety Policy and specifically about hazards on that particular workplace. Children without adult supervision are not allowed in the farmer’s property.

Responsibilities of Management:

  1. Should be responsible for maintaining the hazard register, ensuring the effectiveness of hazard management procedures.
  2. Management should work together with the Overseer to check the regular inspections.
  3. Management is responsible for assessing new equipment or plant present in the  workplace. The assessment includes acceptability of noise output, suitability of controls, guarding system, placement and set up on site and their impact on surrounding processes and people.
  4. According to Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS), the Management is responsible for ensuring optimal health and safety to all employees by providing them a safe and hygienic place to work. They are also responsible for eliminating and controlling the risk to ensure minimum chance of injury at the workplace.
  5. The Management is also responsible for recruiting, screening, interviewing and placing the workers.
  6. Responsible for planning, directing and coordinating all the administrative functions.
  7. Management has the authority to hire, promote, punish and reward employees in the workplace.
  8. Accountable for monitoring and regulating livestock that is preparation of sheep for shearing which includes proper fasting times.

3.Accident Reporting

No matter how serious the injury is, all the accidents and incidents should be recorded on the Accident / Incident Report form. This can help us in future to prevent serious injuries. There are some procedures that employees should follow to meet the obligations. All injuries should be recorded and submitted to the Overseer or the Management before leaving the wool shed or office at the end of the day.

If any injury occurs in the workplace, then the seriousness of the injury will be assessed and according to that, the process of treatment will be decided. If the injury is not so serious, then the treatment must be obtained by the First Aider in the company. Then it will be decided by the Overseer and the First Aider whether the employee can continue with their normal work or not. All incidents should be recorded on the Accident / Incident Report form. If the injury is serious, then the employee will be taken for further treatment by a doctor or hospital. The Overseer will notify this incident to the Management as soon as possible.

The employee should make reasonable efforts to return to work in a suitable or pre-injury employment condition. Where you are unable to return to pre-injury duties or arrange suitable duties with the employer, you may be required to seek work elsewhere. 

Serious Harm Accidents

The management should be immediately informed about any accident resulting in serious injury or electric shock where employees, visitors, clients or client's employees are involved. The report form should be filled properly.

Accident scene not to be disturbed

The accident scene should not be disturbed without the Management’s approval except preserving the life and preventing further damage.

After a serious harm occurs, the first thing is to inform the manager immediately so that he can take correct emergency steps, notify the Ambulance or Police and start investigation so that similar kinds of situations can be avoided in the future.

If the manager is not present in the workplace at that time,  then the Overseer should take the responsibilities of the manager.

Non-Employees Incidents

If anyone other than the employees are injured in the same place, then the incident must be reported to the management so that the incident may be clarified to the client. It is mandatory to report all small and big incidents to the management so that the same kind of injury and property damage can be avoided in the future.

Returning to Work after Injury

If an employee gets injured in the working hours, the Overseer ensures that the employee receives proper medication and treatment as fast as possible. It is the company who provides assistance with injury recovery and rehabilitation that will help the employee to get back to work as soon as possible.

The injured employee must participate and cooperate with the company’s management and the Nominated Treating Doctor’s (NTD) injury management plan. The insurer may request for you to provide information and you may be required to obtain certificates of capacity from the NTD. If you are totally or partially incapacitated for work as a result of the injury a copy of the certificate of capacity must be provided to the insurer and, where relevant, the employer.

If the injured employee can not join the work for more than 4 weeks, then an alternative work plan will be assigned to the worker in consultation with the service provider, insurer,  employee and his family, the NTD or rehabilitation advisor.

After that employees will be provided a range of light duties, alternative duties, job sharing or reduced hours of working. Though all the efforts will be made to provide a job to the employee, the company cannot promise employees that suitable or relevant alternative duty will be always available.

Health and Safety Meetings

It is very important to work together as a team in the shed and to keep each other safe. Regular meetings are important to discuss job related issues. Issues may include job related problems, injuries and health effects, any kind of identified hazards, hazard control, working condition etc.

4.Emergency Procedures

Emergency situations can arise any time in the course of work and we need to prepare yourself to appropriately respond to those situations.

Emergency situations that can arise are:

  1. Serious Injury
  2. Fire
  3. Electrocution
  4. Power failure
  5. Contamination/ Hazardous Substance Spill
  6. Vehicle Accident
  7. Structural or Building Collapse
  8. Bad Weather or Storm
  9. Earthquake

First Aid

If someone needs assistance for injuries, then the Overseer should be called as they are responsible for all First Aid Treatments. Basic First Aid Kits are available in all company vehicles. Farmer Client’s can also provide a First Aid Kit in the wool shed for use. All the treatments should be recorded on the Accident / Incident Report form and employees should notice the stocks of First Aid supplies and if running low, then it should be informed to the Overseer.

In case of any significant injury, the Overseer should assess it and provide proper treatment. The Overseer should record the nature of injury, treatment provided and details of the injured person on the Accident / Incident Report form.

Harassment

Harassment is a kind of behaviour that causes isolation or exclusion, humiliation. It can be of many kind like sexual harassment, bullying or racial nature. If someone feels harassed then the Overseer and the Management should look at the matter.

Injury Accidents / Serious Health Effects

Everyone should follow some basic rules, when someone is seriously injured or becomes unwell. The rules are given below:

  1. We should keep calm so that we can help properly.
  2. Inform the Overseer or tell someone to do it as soon as possible.
  3. Call the emergency services and ask for an ambulance. Tell your location properly as described in the Emergency Information sheet in the shed.
  4. Movement can enhance the level of injury, so it is better not to shift the injured person unless there is danger of further injury.
  5. If there are any heat stroke victim, then keep him still, cool and calm.
  6. If any victim is bleeding much from open wounds, then directly apply pressure on the wound to stop the the blood
  7. DRS ABC - Always remember this in case of any injury. This stands for Danger, Response, Shout for help, Airways, Breathing, Circulation

Inform the Management about the situation immediately.

Fire

If fire breaks out at the wool shed, do not try to put the fire out. Follow the below mentioned rules:

  1. Keep yourself calm so that you can help
  2. Shut down the machineries you are operating as soon as possible
  3. Collect the Emergency Information Sheet from its place and follow the evacuation guideline to get out from the building. Help others also to evacuate. Walk fast to go out but don’t run. Everyone should report to the Emergency Assembly Point to ensure all personnel are accounted for.
  4. Call the emergency services and ask for the fire service. Tell them your location properly as described in the Emergency Information Sheet taken from the shed.
  5. After all these if it is safe and possible then attempt to release stock.

If fire breaks out at the wool shed / Organising Office/ Quarters, etc then follow the below mentioned rules:

  1. Keep yourself calm and if possible shut down the doors and windows.
  2. Get out of the building and everyone should report at the Emergency Assembly Point.
  3. Follow what the Fire Warden / Overseer is saying.
  4. Do not go inside the building until the fire is put out.

If fire breaks out inside a vehicle then follow the below mentioned steps:

  1. Keep yourself calm
  2. If the vehicle is in the moving condition then pull to the side of the road and turn off the engine. Exit from the vehicle as soon as possible. Check whether everyone is out of the vehicle.
  3. Call the emergency services and ask for fire service and tell them about your location.
  4. If it is safe try to put out the fire with the fire extinguisher provided. Otherwise wait for the professionals to come.
  5. Inform the Management immediately.

Hazardous Substance Spill

No hazardous substances should be present inside the wool shed where employees are working, but if there are, then stay away from them. If any hazardous substance or dangerous good or fuel is leaking then at first make the place empty and after that inform the farmer or client. The Overseer and the Client should be reported to about the spills.

Electrocution

In case of electrocution immediately inform the emergency service. It can kill but quick action can save a life. If safe to do so try to rescue the victim by shutting down the  power source and then if the victim is unconscious provide rescue breathing or CPR.

Power Failure

Power failure causes serious disturbance in work. In case of power failure turn off all the electrical equipment and wait until the power comes on. To check power supply use the light switches and never plug in electrical tools. If there is power failure, then the Overseer needs to inform the farmer. If it is not restored within an hour then Overseer should contact the Manager for further instruction.

Earthquake

In case of earthquake or seismic tremor, shut down all the machines and appliances and keep yourself calm and if required help others. If you are inside a building, then try to take shelter under a strong structure. If you are outside, then stay away from stacks of materials like timber, posts and so on. If you are inside a car, then stay inside the car and keep the car in a safe position. Don’t move until the earthquake appears to have stopped.

Structural Collapse

If the sheds or buildings are in poor condition, then the chance of structural collapse is high. We need to identify the risky buildings and inform the farmer client.

Vehicle Accident

If there is any vehicle accident then it should be reported to the police by calling the emergency services. Management should also be informed immediately about the accident. If any person is injured then First Aid should be provided. The vehicle driver needs to fill out an Accident / Incident Report form and forward it to the management within 24 hours.

Effects of Extreme Weather or Storm

Bad weather can create circumstances that are hazardous. Bad weather like heavy rain, floods, snow, high winds etc can create emergency situations where work will stop and Workers could be harmed. The Overseer  is responsible to make decisions about when to stop work or not, how and when the employees will be taken to the safest possible location and so on.

5.Hazard Control

To produce consistent high quality work while maintaining workers health and safety, the company has developed a set of work procedures and practices. Employees need to follow all the advice and instructions given.

Vehicle

Driving a vehicle after consumption of alcohol is a criminal offence. An intoxicated employee is not allowed to drive any company vehicle. Always wear safety belts and maintain speed limits while driving the vehicle and keep the vehicle clean.

Alcohol/ Drugs

The exploitation of alcohol and drugs can damage physical and mental health, affect concentration, coordination and performance and it is observed that the effects of alcohol and other drugs may populate from one's private life into the workplace and that can result in carelessness, accidents and absenteeism. The casualty of behaviour can lead the affected employees to injure themselves or others.

 

It is a shared responsibility of the employers and employees to adopt an alcohol and drug free workplace culture by not consuming alcohol or any narcotic drugs before or during working hours.

Chemicals

 

Employees are not allowed to touch any chemicals and if found the Overseer should be informed. The farmer is responsible for removing chemicals and safe storage.

Clothing

The workers should wear suitable clothes at work. Sweat absorbing clothing materials is preferred in the workplace. Proper and protective footwear must be worn at all times during the work hours.

Drinking Water

A worker needs to drink up to 6 litres of drinking water per day to avoid dehydration. Farmers are asked to ensure availability of clear and healthy drinking water in the shed. Do not share your mug or water bottle with others.

Electricity

Workers are asked to check the condition of switches and plugs on a regular interval. If any switch or plug is broken, cracked or damaged then don’t use it and inform the Ganger immediately.

Fitness

Eat balanced food, drink plenty of water and keep yourself fit. Before you start your work, warm up your muscles and limbs with stretches.

Grinding

Before you start grinding ensure that there is suitable lighting, check whether the power cord and switch are in good condition and in a safe position, check the grinders edge guards are secure and that the disc nuts are tight, the grinding paper is flat and securely in place. The pendulum pins are adequately extended. While grinding, always wear your safety glasses. Put the concentration on your job. Don’t forget to switch off your grinder when you have finished grinding.

Hand Pieces

Don’t forget to check your handpieces daily at work. Check that the comb screws are tight and free of cracks, the retaining bar is in good condition and that the fork yoke pins are in the holes of the cutter, the coupling spring at the back is firm, no broken teeth on the cogs, the spline drive is in good condition and is releasing from the worm drive and that the leather elbow cover is in right place.

 

Housekeeping

Deposit all scrap and waste in proper containers, keep the place and all the equipment as clean as possible by cleaning up after yourself. Don’t forget to take your personal belongings with you at the end of the day.

Hygiene

If you want to keep your body healthy, then personal hygiene is very important. Good habits that help to maintain your own health are: Showering daily along with the use of clean clothes, towels and footwear, regular use of sanitary conveniences, prompt attention should be taken to cuts, grazes, rashes, skin disorders and infections don’t share your water bottles with others, wash your hands properly before taking food etc.

Noise

Ear plugs or protections should be worn as excessive noise can damage hearing that results in permanent hearing loss. It can also be the reason for disruption of other body functions that includes affecting digestion, insomnia, frustration and inappropriate behaviour.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed inside the company building, woolsheds and vehicles. Employees who wish to smoke should go outside the company premises and are not allowed to throw butts insensibly.

Wool Handling

Infection and other health problems can arise if wool penetrates the skin through cuts and grazes. Wool can also perforate the skin between the fingers, toes and nipples. Wools should be removed immediately with tweezers in order to avoid infections. When working around the wool table, ensure there is enough space and there are no tripping hazards in the floor. When working on the shearing board make sure that there are no tripping hazards, spills or liquids, maintain safe distance from the sweep of the handpiece, and use a scraper or paddle broom to remove the wool from around the shearers and the shearing board.

Wool Presses

Only a permitted user is allowed to operate a press. The condition of the press must be checked before using.

For electric / hydraulic presses check the safe operation of safety devices and guards, check the hoses and fittings, check whether the power cables are connected securely and are not lying in the way so that it can be run over or damaged.

For manual presses properly check the ropes and pulleys, hinges and swivels for soundness and smooth operation.

Manual Handling

Manual tasks may cause serious muscle injuries and spinal injuries if improper technique is used. Before doing any manual task or lifting heavy weight, some basic rules should be followed. If you think that something is too heavy for you to lift, then don’t attempt to do it alone. Always do some light exercises before any heavy manual task as it increases blood flow to the muscles.

Working Conditions Generally

Check the overall condition of the shed before you start working. Check if there is any crack or hole in the steps or landings, no nails or sharp objects on the floors, shearing boards, fences, gates and pen doors. Ensure that the power supply and plant switches are not broken or damaged. Check whether the toilets are in good condition or not, washing facility and enough supply of clean and hygienic water.. Check the availability of first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Report any anomalies to the Overseer.

Chemicals

If there is any chemical spill in the shed don’t touch it. It is the responsibility of the farmer to remove the chemicals to safe storage.

Treatment of Livestock 

It is important to make sure that those people handling animals have the necessary knowledge, experience and expertise to meet the requirements of the welfare standards. Animal cruelty will not tolerated, employees suspected of ill-treating livestock will undertake corrective action or their employment will be ceased.

6.Animal Welfare Policy

There are some general policies taken by the company for the welfare of the animals.

  1. The person, who is in charge of any animal, Should take all reasonable steps to check that the physical conditions and behavioural needs of the animals are met.
  2. According to Animal Welfare Act 1999, all employees should treat the animals in a humane and diligent manner.
  3. If any animal got injured, then the person who is in charge should ensure that the animal is getting proper treatment to heal the unnecessary pain and distress.
  4. Injured animals should be monitored properly and kept in an isolated pen.
  5. The client should follow the Health and Safety recommendations for fasting of Sheep before shearing.

7.Health and Safety Policy

To keep all employees free from any harm at the workplace, the company has developed some policies, procedures and training for the employees. The company has set annual health and safety goals to improve the overall performance. To achieve this mission the company has set up a guideline that is given below:

  1. A safe working environment for all personnel should be maintained.
  2. Comply with all associated regulations.
  3. Reduce the loss of property, equipment and materials, personal injury, ill health, environmental damage and other business losses.
  4. Employees who are suffering with work related injuries, receive proper treatment, care and assistance so that they can get back  to work as quickly as possible.
  5. To identify the improvements that can be made, audit and assess your performance on a regular basis.
  6. Employee contributions should be encouraged, acknowledged and rewarded.
  7. Provide responsibilities to the Overseer and Employees to carry out their health and safety functions.

All employees should comply with the company’s operating policies and employment agreements.

8.Safe Driving Policy

To reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents the company has promoted a safe driving culture by encouraging safe and sensible use of company vehicles.

Policy Content

If someone breaks the law, then this could result in loss of employment.

  1. Before driving a company vehicle, drivers should follow the legal requirements for the consumption of alcohol.
  2. If you are not properly licensed then you are not allowed to drive.
  3. Reckless or dangerous driving could cause death or injury.
  4. If you fail to stop after a crash, then it is an offence.
  5. You must have a current driver license.
  6. Always carry your driving license with you while driving any vehicle.
  7. Don’t break traffic rules while driving.
  8. Wear safety belts when you are driving.
  9. The vehicle you are driving should be roadworthy and legal.
  10. The driver should not carry extra weight or extra passengers in the vehicle.
  11. There should be a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in every vehicle.
  12. You should not talk or use your mobile phone when you are driving a vehicle.

Employer Responsibilities:

  1. Company does not allow any employee to drive under any unsafe environment or physical distress.
  2. Fire extinguisher and first aid kit should be present In all the company vehicles
  3. As per the manufacturer’s recommendation, all the vehicles owned by the company should be maintained in sound working condition and serviced on regular intervals.
  4. All company vehicles should meet the legal requirements and have current license  and registration.
  5. Drivers are allowed to use the company vehicle for work purposes only. Drivers should be well trained and competent for using vehicles and other equipment, they should also have the recommended licenses and the relevant insurance.
  6. There should be complete and current documents and also copies of the driving licenses for all drivers in the office.

Responsibilities of Authorised Driver:

  1. Drivers must have a current driving license and should provide a copy of the license to the management.
  2. Drivers should not break the law while driving. They are not allowed to use cell phones while driving. Drivers should display the highest level of professionalism and safety when driving a company vehicle.
  3. When required a driver should provide a medical clearance to the company management. They should not take any over the counter medication that causes drowsiness while driving.
  4. Consumption of alcohol prior to and while driving the company vehicle is strictly prohibited.

Report Incidents and Accidents to the management

  1. All incidents related to the work vehicle should be informed to the management.
  2. The Management and the police should be informed immediately if any accident occurs.
  3. In case of any vehicle damage, a motor vehicle insurance claim form must be submitted.

Policy Review: Every year.

9.Visitors Policy

  1. Visitors who are coming to the workplace should report to the appointed company representative. They should be aware about the Health and Safety Employment Act and particularly about the workplace hazard register, hazard control, exits, emergency responses and reporting methods given on the notice board. Visitors are required to sign in and out via the Visitor Register.
  2. Children, who are under 14 years of age, should be kept under supervision of a non-working adult. The supervising adult is responsible for keeping the children out of the work area.